Charlie And The Chocolate Factory Musical: Sam Mendes On The Biggest Challenge Of Recreating Wonka (EXCLUSIVE VIDEO)

EXCLUSIVE: Sam Mendes On His Willy Wonka World Of Pure Imagination

For almost 50 years Charlie And The Chocolate Factory has captivated readers with its deliciously dark tale of young Charlie Bucket and the mysterious confectioner Willy Wonka.

Now, Roald Dahl’s sweet-filled fantasy world is coming to life in a new West End musical directed by Academy Award-winner Sam Mendes.

On the same day that Wonka opened the factory gates to the children in Dahl’s novel - it's time to peel back the wrapper on the production, as The Huffington Post UK can exclusively unveil the first clip of 'Skyfall' director Mendes talking about bringing Charlie to the stage.

In the video above, Mendes is joined by Mark Thompson (the set and costume designer) and Jamie Harrison (the puppet and illusion designer) as they divulge some of the first details of the magical show, including a hint at the curiously peculiar Oompa Loompas.

Mendes explains: "One of the biggest challenges of all is the biggest surprise, which is the Oompa Loompas."

Meanwhile, Olivier and Tony Award-winning actor Douglas Hodge was recently announced as Willy Wonka.

He will star alongside Nigel Planer as Grandpa Joe, Clive Carter as Mr Salt, Jasna Ivir as Mrs Gloop, Paul J Medford as Mr Beauregarde, Iris Roberts as Mrs Teavee and Myra Sands as Grandma Georgina.

Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory opens at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane on 25 June 2013.

HEADSHOTS: The cast so far...

Douglas Hodge

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